How to Become a CPA Without a Degree in Accounting
Obtaining the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) certification is an admirable and fulfilling goal, as it provides jobs in the areas auditing, tax preparer, and consultation. Typically, the position of CPA requires an educational background with a degree in accounting. Nonetheless, it is always possible to get a CPA license if you’re determined.
Understanding the CPA Requirements
It is important to understand in advance what the CPA requirements entail especially since each state has different rules. Usually there are three main elements.
- Education Requirements
- Examination Requirements
- Experience Requirements
Education Requirements
Currently, all states demand 150 semester hours of college credit to sit for a CPA exam, which is past the normal 120 hours for a bachelor’s degree. Although earning an accounting degree is definitely a usual practice, it is not a requirement.
It is possible to meet the education requirements without having an accounting degree:
General Education and Non-Accounting Courses
Quantitative/Occupational: Bachelor of Science majors which have quantitative skills, higher level mathematics, and computer science classes could be useful. These courses often apply to the requirements for business administration general education and CPA.
Business Administration Courses: Through classes in management, marketing, finance, and economics, a good business base is formed. These courses are offered in a wider business degree program that may be applied in fulfilling the CPA credit.
Non-Business Credit: Certain states allow non-business credit hours to count towards the required 150 hours, as long as they receive approval from the state board. It’s a good idea to consult your state board to find out which courses have received approval.
Supplemental Education for Accounting Credits
To satisfy the specific accounting credit requirements which are pegged at 24-30 semester hours, consider the following:
Post-Baccalaureate Programs: Most universities have post-baccalaureate or graduate certification in accounting. These may be obtained after obtaining a bachelor’s degree in another field as well as in accounting.
Accounting Courses and Degrees Online: Online classes provide convenience and availability; investigate the courses that may be taken towards an accounting degree online.
Professional Training Programs: Some colleges and universities have courses which are fast track, developed for those who have other working backgrounds and are interested in switching into accountancy fields. Such courses may include introductory to advanced level accounting study programs.
Examination Requirements
Passing the CPA Exam is not easy, and it has four component parts which include:
- Auditing and Attestation (AUD)
- Business Environment and Concepts (BEC)
- Financial Accounting and Reporting (FAR)
- Regulation (REG)
Preparation:
CPA Exam Prep classes: These classes are recommended for persons without an accounting background, and they prepare the students for examinations and give the foundational knowledge required.
Make Use of Study Guides and Other Materials: Books, sample tests, and online resources are important tools that help to prepare for each section.
Join Study Groups: It will be beneficial to work with others to study and interchange ideas that are complex.
Experience Requirements
The education requirements entail having one to two years’ experience in accounting, although the duration may differ according to your state’s rules. It is difficult to gain the necessary experience without a formal accounting degree.
Internships and Entry-Level Positions
Obtain Internships: Internship experiences from accounting firms or departments of other firms could be quite useful.
Entry-Level: You can work in positions such as bookkeeping, accounting assistants, or financial reporting analysts among others. Such positions are more innovative and can also provide a person with actual employment opportunities in most cases.
Volunteering and Part-Time Work
Volunteer Work with Non-Profit Organizations: Most non-profit organizations require the services of an accountant, which can serve as a good ground for gaining experience as you prepare to sit for the CPA examination.
Temporary: Look for postings within the accounting departments that offer temporary or part-time fixed-term contracts, which provide the opportunity to work toward your goal and engage in other activities.
Additional Tips for Success
Networking and Mentorship
Become a Member of Professional Associations: The Association of CPAs in America (AICPA) has a section where many resources, social contacts, and even mentorship sessions are available.
Connect with a CPA: A person with the same work experience will be better suited to answer specific questions and give useful advice about the career path.
Stay Informed
Stay Up to Date with the Current Rules: Keep up to date with any CPA requirements that have changed, and also check the rules of the particular state you wish to work in.
Continuous Learning: New and updated rules and regulations are always being reported, as well as changes in how accounting is done. Because this line of work is always changing, you need to learn continuously.
